Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Goldenseal is a slow-forming woodland perennial recognised for its thick golden rhizomes, deeply veined foliage, and compact stature. Our plants are propagated exclusively from divisions taken from long-established stock in Co. Clare, as seed-grown material is exceptionally slow to reach maturity. Its vivid yellow root and sculptural rhizome clusters make it one of the most visually distinctive woodland herbs we cultivate.

Growing conditions: This species is listed under CITES due to extensive overharvesting in the wild, and we maintain it under carefully controlled, sustainable conditions. In Ireland, Hydrastis requires 60% shade, ideally from old-growth oak or maple canopy, with a deep mulch of their leaf mould to mimic its native forest floor. It prefers a cool, consistently moist but free-draining soil and must be kept completely weed-free to prevent competition. Though hardy in the Irish climate, it cannot tolerate direct sunlight or waterlogged conditions. Raised woodland beds are suitable or grown out of the woodland under shade cloth works well.

Traditional & herbal uses: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a well-documented history of use for infections and inflammatory conditions affecting the mucous membranes, including ocular, oropharyngeal, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tissues. Its clinical relevance is largely attributed to its isoquinoline alkaloids primarily berberine, hydrastine, and canadine which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal trophorestorative actions.

In practice, Goldenseal is employed for sinus congestion, gingival and oral mucosal irritation, and a range of gastrointestinal disturbances. It is particularly noted for its activity against Helicobacter pylori–associated symptom patterns, likely due to berberine’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects and its influence on epithelial tight-junction integrity and mucosal secretions.

Goldenseal’s therapeutic reputation is supported by centuries of use in North American herbal medicine and remains firmly established in contemporary materia medica. However, due to its potent alkaloid profile and the risk of mucosal drying with excessive use, it is generally recommended for short-term, targeted applications rather than prolonged continuous intake.

Maintenance & harvesting: Goldenseal demands meticulous care. Maintain a deep, year-round layer of oak or maple leaf mould and remove competing weeds regularly to protect the shallow rhizomes. Divisions should only be taken from mature clumps after three to four years of growth, ensuring several vigorous shoots remain to sustain the mother plant. There will be many small developing rhizomes that should be planted back with care, to ensure you encourage its reproduction into a larger established bed. Because we prioritise long-term preservation of our stock for clinical use, only surplus divisions are released through the nursery—and this may occur only once every few years.